Nikon D3200: A Sony A77 with optical viewfinder?

According to their strategic partnership, Nikon keeps using the Sony digital sensors as they are brought to them (at least, for the entry-level and mid-range DSLR photo cameras). This approach allowed Nikon to produce a few good cameras. Today, with the announcement of the Nikon D3200, the same strategy still works:

Sony created a nice sensor (here an APS-C 24Mp imaging sensor)

Sony starts using it (in the SLT-A77, SLT-A65 and NEX-7)

Nikon applies it again as fast as possible within its own range: starting with the Nikon D3200

Advantage? Very good sensors (Sony is good at their design), available in large quantities, where Nikon plugs its excellent images software/firmware handling. The result should be a very attractive camera. What about the Nikon D3200?

Nikon D3200

As a matter of fact, te Nikon D3200 exhibits a rather beautiful collection of nice features:

An APS-C 24 MP digital sensor (We can expect that Nikon will produce pictures slightly better than from Sony on the NEX-7 or the A77)

The improvement of sensitivity (ISO 6400 now in standard and ISO 12800 in extended mode) seems limited but will have to be checked in future tests

Full-HD 1080p video capture (and a connector for external microphone)

A 3″ LCD display on the back with 920.000 pixels

A black suit (very traditional) or a red coat (much wilder)

Nikon D3200

The external design is evolving slowly (compared to the previous Nikon DSLR, the grip is slightly slanted). But more importantly, the controls are changing with a video button now at the top of the body (very near the photo button).

An additional module will also allow to Wifi-connect to an Android phone or tablet (iPhone/iOS will only come a little later).

The probable price: $700 with he 18-55mm standard zoom, as soon as the end of April 2012 (so, very soon).